NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – The Henry Hudson Bridge is expected to be a cashless crossing in 2012. For now, currency customers will still find it’s a real human being in the cash lanes. On Thursday, the gates came off of toll lanes.

“I think, ultimately, this will save money, will make it better for customers, and will reduce pollution,” MTA Chairman Jay Walder said Thursday. “This is a win, win, win type situation. It’s exactly the sort of thing that the MTA should be looking to.”

A decision on whether to expand either the gateless or cashless operations at other MTA crossings will be made after the pilot has ended. Walder says the RFK Bridge will likely be the next cashless crossing, though there’s no timetable. He believes drivers will quickly adapt.

By the way, if you are a cash customer trying to use an E-ZPass lane, you can expect a $50 fine in the mail.

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